When can we start moonlighting?

[Rafe]

It is my understanding that we can start moonlighting in residency. Is that the first year? Are we only allowed to moonlight in a hospital setting or can we go into private clinics and work/write scripts etc?

[aucguy]

First of all, you can only moonlight after passing the USMLE step 3. Then, you must first make sure that the residency program you are in will ALLOW you to moonlight (some do, some don't). Hope that helps...

[teratos]

If your residency program allows "in-house" moonlighting then you don't have to pass step 3. You can still do it under your training license. You can only do that at the hospital where you are a resident

In order to really moonlight, not only do you have to pass step 3, but you have to have your unrestricted state license, and often a DEA number. So it depends on the state you are in, and how many years of residency they require to grant a license. OF course, getting a license and DEA number take about 8 weeks each. G

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[teratos]

You are right, DrB. It varies from state to state. Most states allow USMGs to get licensed after 1 year of residency, while IMGs most often have to wait 2-3 years. In Maryland we can be licensed after 2. I am very glad of that. I don't think it is fair to make people wait 3 years. You will have a lot of time after residency in which you are qualified to do little more than flip burgers. It took me a good 4-5 months to get everything I need to practice. 8 weeks for my license, then 3 weeks for my state Controlled dangerous substance permit, then 8 more weeks for my DEA number. And you can't apply for DEA without a business address, be it the hospital where you are doing residency, or an office where you will be working. I think it is a lot to ask of people to take 6 months off after residency before they can practice. It's not like you can save tons of money while you are a resident, and many of us have huge debt loads. G

[Silenthunder]

Hey Dr. Durst,

I wasn't sure if I got the gist of what you just said;

I think the idea I got was that it takes 4-6 months upon completion of your residence before you can begin practicing (because of various certs etc. that you need to receive).

Do you have any idea what this process is like for non-US IMG's? I'm guessing it's completely different.... and I guess it must differ by state.

Cheers

Silenthunder

[Rafe]

What is the fastest way to make extra money after clinicals? What hoops do we have to jump through? Do you have any recommendations on the best path to take, be it a specific residency or country/state ie.

[teratos]

IF you can only get licensed after 3 years of residency, and you do a three year residency you will have to wait a while. It takes a long time to process your license, and only after you have your license can you apply for your CDS and DEA number, so you can expect some down-time. This isn't in every state, and it does vary from state to state.

I'm sorry, but I don't know what the deal is for Canadians. G

[jim]

in SC, you can get your full license after 1 year. but you need your DEA to be an intern. as a result, i already have all the licensure stuff, just gotta take step 3(and pass!) and apply. and here, when you apply, if you already had a limited license here you get a temp while you wait and can start immediately.

[teratos]

When you are a resident you are using the DEA of the hospital. You cannot just take step 3 and then transfer that "training" license to an unrestricted license. Most states require ou to complete 2 or 3 years of residency before they will grant you an unrestricted license. The period of time varies from state to state.

You CANNOT get your own DEA until you have your unrestricted license. G

[Rafe]

Is there a place to find out what states require 1, 2, or 3 years of residency before moonlighting or working solo etc.? Perhaps you know and could answer? :?

[teratos]

You would have to go to each state and find that out. It should be on their licensing board website. Maybe someone knows of a site that has collected all of that information.... G

[wolfvgang22]

If a person wanted to make sure he/she has a steady income then choosing a 4 year residency or getting a fellowship would make sense, huh?

By the way, the website of the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners says it takes 3 years for IMGs to qualify for a permanent license:

Document required postgraduate medical education (one year for U.S./Canadian graduates, three years of progressive postgraduate residency training for international medical graduates - training must be an accredited program in the United States or Canada to be accepted by the Board);

and
A temporary license is generally issued as an interim license after an applicant has met all requirements for a permanent license, which includes having met the examination, postgraduate training and other requirements.

[ducman]

Georgia has the same requirements - 3 years.